Ergonomic Anti Fatigue Base

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a foldable mat frame configured to provide seamless transition of mat between a sitting position and standing position. The sitting position allows the user to sit on a chair position at a workstation when the mat is not in use. The standing position allows the user to stand on the mat positioned in front of the work station. The foldable mat frame includes two modes of operation comprising a sliding operation and folding operation for transition of mat position. The foldable frame comprises a DC powered motor unit to provide transition of mat position automatically by sliding operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a foldable frame. More specifically, the present invention relates to a foldable mat frame configured to provide seamless transition of mat between a sitting position and a standing position.

B. Description of Related Art

Research have shown that sitting for prolonged period of time have a detrimental effect on persons health. However, sedentary state itself is not especially harmful to the human beings but the amount of time spent in a sedentary state creates the detrimental effects. Currently, most of the job were done in desk, which requires long hours of sitting at the desk. The effects of extended hours of sitting could cause a litany of health problems and degrades the worker's health and mental capabilities. In a worst case, most people don't include any physical activity such as long walks, workouts or other physical action within their working days. The danger of inactivity includes number of health concerns such as worsens cardiovascular health, prone to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and cancer-related deaths.

Health officials suggests that standing or moving around for 1 to 3 minutes every half an hour could have a significant health benefit. As a result, many offices have deployed convertible desks and monitors that could be raised and lowered to provide a healthier workplace. The convertible desk allows a person working at a desk to move from sit to standup position as they wish. During standing posture, the weight that is placed on the human frame would begin to tire oneself and different areas of the body would begin to pain depending on the individual. Hence, the idea of standing while working is more fatiguing for the feet and legs and could cause back strain.

To reduce fatigue and to provide comfort for feet while in standing position, anti-fatigue mats made of durable foam were used. A particular problem for people with convertible desk and anti-fatigue mat is that the mat would be in the way if the people are in the sitting position. Further, the office type chair usually has wheels and have difficulty to roll over the mat as the mats are thicker in order to be effective as an anti-fatigue device. This presents a problem for a wheeled chair since it's not designed to roll over such obstacle. Consequently, in order to use an anti-fatigue mat, the user must constantly move the mat from stand or sit position. Further storing the mat while in the sitting position is also difficult. However, mat would not stand on their sides unless there is some sort of structure to support them. As such facility is not available, most people try to place the mat someplace out of the way and would not be convenient to retrieve when an individual return to the standing position at the desk.

Therefore, there is a need for a solution that would enable to provide seamless transition of mat between a sitting position and a standing position. Further, need a solution that allows placement and storage of mat at a standup or vertical position at the back wall of the desk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a foldable mat frame that provides a seamless transition of mat between a sitting position and a standing position. The transition of mat to the sitting position allows the user to sit on a chair positioned at a workstation. The transition of mat to the standing position allows the user to stand on the mat positioned in front of the work station.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises a base rail having at least two ends, at least two frame rails and at least two side rails configured to secure the mat therebetween. At least one frame rail extends hingedly and perpendicularly from each end of the base rail. At least one side rail hingedly extends from each frame rail, wherein the at least two side rails are adapted to fold above the at least two frame rails for storage and adapted to unfold from the at least two frame rails to deploy the mat. The frame further comprises a spring-loaded latch to hold the side rails folded above the at least two frame rails for storage.

In another embodiment, the frame comprises a base rail having at least two ends, at least two frame rails and at least two side rails configured to secure the mat therebetween. At least one frame rail extends hingedly and perpendicularly from each end of the base rail. At least one side rail hingedly extends from a side end of each frame rail, wherein the side rails are adapted to retract within the frame rails for storage and adapted to extend from the frame rails to deploy the mat.

In one embodiment, the mat is a foam filled mat. In another embodiment, the mat comprises a beveled front edge portion. In one embodiment, the frame comprises one or more wheels disposed at a base portion of the base rail. In one embodiment the frame further comprises a motor unit, a controlling computer, a bevel gear arrangement, one or more batteries and a ball screw nut screwed into each side rail. One or more batteries to supply power to the motor unit and the controlling computer. The ball screw nut is mounted into a bearing at each end of the side rails. The bevel gear arrangement is configured to transfer motor's rotation to drive the ball screw nut to automatically retract the side rail within the frame rail for storage and automatically extend the side rail from the frame rail to deploy the mat

In one embodiment, the controlling computer is configured to monitor the current flowing to the motor unit. The controlling computer is further configured to shut off the motor after deploying or retracting the mat by sensing a current spike created due to the ball screw nut reaching a limit. The controlling computer is further is configured to control the operation of the motor unit via an application program with a Bluetooth protocol.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a user using the foldable mat frame in the standing position in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the user using the foldable mat frame in the sitting position in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the mat expands automatically into position via the motor unit in a flat retractable type foldable frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the mat contracts automatically to stored position via the motor unit in the flat retractable type foldable frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the foldable mat frame with the flat retractable type foldable frame in vertical position.

FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the wheel arrangement of the foldable mat frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of mat expands into position in the slide folding type frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of mat contracts into position for storage in the slide folding type frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of mat expands into position in a front folding type foldable frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view mat contracts for storage in the front folding type frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the foldable mat frame with the front folding type frame in vertical position.

FIG. 12A exemplarily illustrates a top view of mat assembled in the foldable frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of mat along the section A-A′ assembled in the foldable frame of FIG. 12A in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates a side view of a foldable mat frame with a spring loaded latch in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A exemplarily illustrates a top view of mat assembled in a DC motorized foldable mat frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of mat along the section B-B′ assembled in a DC motorized foldable mat frame of FIG. 15 in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates a ball screw nut and ball screw assembly of a foldable mat frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Referring to FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a user using a foldable mat frame 100 in a standing position in an embodiment of the present invention. The foldable mat frame 100 comprises a foldable frame 130 that provides a seamless transition of mat 102 between a sitting position/storage position and a standing position. The transition of mat 102 to the sitting position allows the user to sit on a chair positioned at a workstation. The transition of mat 102 to the standing position allows the user to stand on the mat 102 positioned in front of the work station. The foldable mat frame 100 is configured to allow a user to easily deploy the mat 102 for use or compactly store the mat 102, without bending over. In an embodiment, the foldable mat frame 100 is configured to unfold the frame 130 to deploy the mat 102. In an embodiment, the user using the foldable mat frame 100 in a sitting position is illustrated at FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the foldable mat frame 100 is configured to fold the frame 130 to store the mat 102. In one embodiment, the mat 102 is adapted to relieve fatigue of the user.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the foldable frame 130 further comprises a motor unit 104, which facilities to automatically operate the position of the mat 102 at a push of a button or a switch. In one embodiment, the foldable frame 130 is configured to automatically expand and retract the mat 102 into position by the motor unit 104. In another embodiment, the mat 102 expands automatically into position via the motor unit 104 in the flat retractable type foldable frame 130, as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the mat 102 contracts automatically into the storage position via the motor unit 104 in the flat retractable type foldable frame 130, as shown in FIG. 4. In another embodiment, the flat retractable type frame 130 is configured to operate both manually and automatically. In one embodiment, the motor unit 104 is a DC powered motor.

In one embodiment, the foldable frame 130 is a slide folding model. In an embodiment, the slide folding model frame 130 is configured to fold in a vertical position and is designed to stand in vertical position against the back of desk and out of a way of the user as shown in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the foldable frame 130 comprises a wheel assembly 106 or one or more wheels 106. In an embodiment, the wheel assembly 106 is configured to enable the user to conveniently roll the foldable mat frame 100 from storage areas, as shown FIG. 6. Referring to FIGS. 7 & 8, in one embodiment, the frame 130 is a slide folding model. In an embodiment, the slide folding model type is configured to operate both manually and automatically to expand and contract the mat 120 for use and storage, respectively.

In one embodiment, the foldable frame 130 is a front folding model. In one embodiment, the front folding model frame 130 is configured to fully expand to the standing position as shown in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, the front folding model frame 130 is configured to fold in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 10. In an embodiment, the front folding model frame 130 is designed to stand in the vertical position against the back of desk and out of a way of the user as shown in FIG. 11. In an embodiment, the front folding model frame 130 is configured to operate both manually and automatically.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the frame 130 comprises a base rail 108 having at least two ends, at least two frame rails 110 and at least two side rails 112 configured to secure a therebetween the side rails. At least one frame rail 110 extends hingedly and perpendicularly from each end of the base rail 108. At least one side rail 112 hingedly extends from each frame rail 110, wherein the at least two side rails 112 are adapted to fold above the at least two frame rails 110 for storage and adapted to unfold from the at least two frame rails 110 to deploy the mat. In another embodiment, at least one side rail 112 hingedly extends from a side end of each frame rail 110, wherein the side rails 112 are adapted to retract within the frame rails 110 for storage and adapted to extend from the frame rails 110 to deploy the mat 102.

In another embodiment, the steel side rails 112 is configured to hold the mat 102, the frame rails 110 are pinned using a shoulder screw and a cap nut on the outside surface of the side rails 112. Further, the frame rails 110 are pinned at a base rail 108 hinge point allowing it to pivot up so it stands over the base rail 108. In an embodiment, the base rail 108 have wheels 106 mounted on the bottom surface for ease of movement of the foldable mat frame 100. Referring to FIG. 12B, the mat 102 is secured to the side rails 112 using high energy adhesive, which holds it in place even during the harshest of uses.

Referring to FIG. 13, the mat 102 and side rails 112 fold within the outer side frame rails 110 to make a thin, compact from for storage. Further, a spring loaded latch 114 holds the outer side frame rails 110 vertical above the base rail 108 when the frame 130 is folded. In one embodiment, to unfold the foldable mat frame 100, the user could reach the edge of the mat 102 with their toe and pull forward to extend, whereupon the mat 102 lies flat on the floor. In another embodiment, to fold the foldable mat frame 100, the user could use their heel to push the mat 102 back to initiate the fold and then press with the foot to fold into the storage position.

In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 14A and 15, the mat 102 includes a toe indent that allows the user to slide the mat 102 with the foot on manually. In an embodiment, the leading edge of the mat 102 is beveled. In one embodiment, the foldable mat frame 100 comprises the motor unit 104 for automatic operation of deployment and retraction of the mat 102. In one embodiment, the motor 104 is powered using replaceable D cell batteries 120, which are accessible through the top mounted battery hatches. Further a ball screw nut 116 screws into the into the side rails 112 to extend and retract the mat 102. The ball screw 118 is mounted in bearing at each end for smooth operation. Further, a bevel gears 132 arrangement allows transfer of the motor's rotation to drive the ball screw 118. The ball screw 118 rotates and rapidly drives the ball screw 118 up and down the screw shaft synchronized to the opposite shaft. FIG. 14B exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of mat 102 along the section B-B′ assembled in a DC motorized foldable mat frame 100 of FIG. 15 in an embodiment of the present invention. The mat 102 is secured therebetween the side rails 112 using high energy adhesive, which holds it in place even during the harshest of uses.

In an embodiment, the foldable mat frame 100 comprises a comfortable foam filled mat 102 that dramatically reduces strain on the feet, legs, and back while standing. In an embodiment, the mat 102 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nitrile closed cell foam with a urethane coating. In an embodiment, the front edge of the mat 102 is beveled. Further the mat 102 is resistant to absorption of liquids, household and office chemicals. Further, the mat 102 properties enable to prevent the mat 102 from sticking to the floor in a hot or humid environment. Further the mat 102 allows easy foot movement and turns, and resists sliding very effectively. In an embodiment, the mat 102 could be in any vibrant color. In an embodiment, the mat 102 is adhesively bonded into the side rails 112 using high energy, waterproof adhesive.

In an embodiment, the frame 130 is made of cold rolled steel components and extruded steel frame rails. These components are cut to length and shaped in a CNC water jet machining center. After cutting to shape, the steel components are positioned and robotically welded, where required.

In an embodiment, after welding step, the steel components are cleaned, dried, and powder paint coated, and then thermally cured. After painting, a locking pins and springs are installed, and the rails to form frame 130 are assembled using 18-8 stainless steel socket head shoulder screws and nylon insert cap locknuts. The shoulder screws provide a long wearing pivot point and the locking cap nut maintains the same configured tension at the initial assembled stage. The powder paint and the stainless steel fasteners are resistant to rust or corrosion property in the office environment. In an embodiment, the frame 130 and mat 102 could be supplied in almost any vibrant color.

Further, the powder painted fabricated frame are thermally cured. Then the commercially available DC motor 104, battery holders, internal shaft supports and bevel gears 132 are assembled within the outer rails 110. Then the inner side rails 112 are bonded to the mat 102, placed in the outer side rails 110, and bolted to the ball screw nut 116. The reversible DC motor 104 rotation is transmitted to the ball screws 118 via the commercially available bevel gears 132 at the three locations. In an embodiment, the gears and shafts could be made of fiberglass reinforced plastic to reduce cost and operational noise. The ball screws 118 rest in ball bearing supports for smooth operation with a long operating life. The smooth linear motion and mechanical advantage quickly deploys and retracts the mat 102. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a controlling computer to monitor the current flowing to the motor 104 and when the ball screws 118 hit the limit stops, the current spikes and the controlling computer shuts off the motor driver and reverses the motor 104 to prevent any movement.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises an application program with a Bluetooth protocol to communicate with the controlling computer on an electronics board. Then on executing the application program, the operation is menu driven to deploy or retract the mat 102. In an embodiment, a printed circuit board of the foldable mat frame 100 comprises a standard thickness, double sided FR4 circuit board material populated with surface mounted components suitably. Further, any through-hole devices are inserted after the surface mounted assembly, soldering, and cleaning. After assembly, the PCBs are protected with a moisture adsorption preventive conformal coating. In an embodiment, the PCB includes, but is not limited to, the following components, reversible DC motor 104, controlling Computer with Bluetooth communication link, motor driver, current limiter chip, and Battery monitor. In an embodiment, the DC motor 104 is operated using the application program and the Bluetooth link.

The foldable mat frame 100 of the present invention include following advantages: provides comfortable workplace; allows storage of mat 102 adapted for to relieve fatigue of the user; provided both automatic and manual control for controlling the position of the mat 102; allows easy transition of mat 102 between the sitting position and the standing position; configure for folding or sliding from front or side; available wheels 106 for undercarriage improves storage of mat 102 even easier; and assures durability of the foldable frame 100 with quality construction.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable mat frame, comprising: a base rail comprises at least two ends; at least two frame rails, wherein at least one frame rail extends hingedly and perpendicularly from each end of the base rail, and at least two side rails configured to secure a mat therebetween the side rails, wherein at least one side rail hingedly extends from each frame rail, wherein the at least two side rails are adapted to fold above the at least two frame rails for storage of the mat and unfold from the at least two frame rails to deploy the mat.
 2. The foldable mat frame of claim 1, further comprises a spring-loaded latch to hold the side rails folded above the at least two frame rails for storage.
 3. The foldable mat frame of claim 1, wherein the mat is foam filled mat.
 4. The foldable mat frame of claim 1, wherein the mat comprises a beveled front edge portion.
 5. The foldable mat frame of claim 1, further comprises one or more wheels disposed at a base portion of the base rail.
 6. The foldable mat frame of claim 1, wherein the mat is secured therebetween the side rails via an adhesive.
 7. A foldable mat frame, comprising: a base rail comprises at least two ends; at least two frame rails, wherein at least one frame rail extends hingedly and perpendicularly from each end of the base rail, and at least two side rails configured to secure a mat therebetween the side rails, wherein at least one side rail hingedly extends from a side end of each frame rail, wherein the side rails are adapted to retract within the frame rails for storage and adapted to extend from the frame rails to deploy the mat.
 8. The foldable mat frame of claim 7, wherein the mat is foam filled mat.
 9. The foldable mat frame of claim 7, wherein the mat comprises a beveled front edge portion.
 10. The foldable mat frame of claim 7, further comprises one or more wheels disposed at a base portion of the base rail.
 11. The foldable mat frame of claim 7, further comprises a motor unit, a controlling computer and a ball screw nut screwed into each side rail.
 12. The foldable mat frame of claim 7, further comprises one or more batteries to supply power to the motor unit and the controlling computer.
 13. The foldable mat frame of claim 11, wherein the controlling computer is configured to control the operation of the motor unit via an application program with a Bluetooth protocol.
 14. The foldable mat frame of claim 11, wherein the ball screw nut is mounted into a bearing at each end of the side rails.
 15. The foldable mat frame of claim 7, further comprises a bevel gear arrangement to transfer motor's rotation to drive the ball screw nut to automatically retract the side rail within the frame rail for storage and automatically extend the side rail from the frame rail to deploy the mat.
 16. The foldable mat frame of claim 11, wherein the controlling computer is configured to monitor the current flowing to the motor unit.
 17. The foldable mat frame of claim 11, wherein the controlling computer is configured to shut off the motor after deploying or retracting the mat by sensing a current spike created due to the ball screw nut reaching a limit. 